UNISON members write to MPs over NHS pay

UNISON is escalating its campaign for the Government to open talks on NHS pay in England.

Along with other NHS unions, UNISON wrote to Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting to set out its concerns.

The union is also lodging letters of objection with every NHS employer in England.

Members wrote to MPs, urging them to back NHS staff and put pressure on the Government.

Helga Pile, head of health at UNISON, said: “How can you keep staff in the health service without putting NHS pay right?

“Everyone wants to improve patient care, make the health service more efficient, bring down waiting times and end delays.

“But without the staff, the NHS won’t get the huge helping hand it needs.”

As part of last year’s pay award, Streeting committed to discussions with unions and employers to find a solution to a pay structure that currently leaves too many staff under-banded and unrewarded, with the lowest paid dipping below the minimum wage every year.